student handbook cour se catalog...

7/29/2020 securedev.uams.edu/cophstudent/student-handbook.aspx#academicprob

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Course Catalog andStudent Handbook

Table of Contents

Academic Probation/DismissalAcademic ProgressionAcceptable Use of UAMS Network and Computer Resources (see Computer EmailResources)Adding/Dropping CoursesAdministrative Requirements for GraduationAppealing a Final Course GradeAttendanceAuditing a CourseAutomobile Registration on CampusBiology Competency RequirementBuilding UseCampus Clearance Before Graduation (see Degree Requirements)Civility PolicyComputer and Email ResourcesComputer Labs (see Computer Email Resources)ConductConfidentialityConvocation CeremonyCOPH Certificate and Degree RequirementsCorrection of Student and Alumni Basic Information/ Use of AliasesCredit Hour CalculationsCumulative Grade Point AverageDecision of AcceptanceDegree Application (see Degree Requirements)Degree RequirementsDiscrimination (see Non-Discrimination Statement)Dropping Courses (see Adding Dropping Courses)Dropping Weekend Courses (see Adding Dropping Courses)Drug-Free Awareness StatementElectronic Communication with StudentsEmail (see Computer and Email Resources)Exit ProceduresFeesFERPA PolicyFinancial Assistance



Full-Time Status (Doctoral Students)Grade Point Average (Cumulative)Grade Point Average and Semester Credit Hours (see Degree Requirements)Grades and MarksGrades and Transcripts WithheldGraduation (Administrative Requirements)Grievance ProceduresHandbooks of Other CollegesHazingHealth InsuranceHIPAAHolidays for StudentsHonor CodeHonor Graduates (see Graduation (Administrative Requirements))ID BadgesImmunizations – Continuing StudentsInterprofessional Education RequirementInclement Weather PolicyInternet Access (see Computer Email Resources)Late Registration Fee (see Fees)Leave of AbsenceUAMS LibraryMaster of Public HealthMilitary Duty PolicyNeedlestick PolicyNetwork Access (see Computer and Email Resources)Non-Degree Seeking StudentsNon-Discrimination PolicyNon-Discriminatory Grievances (see Grievance Procedures)Passwords (see Computer and Email Resources)PlagiarismProgression from Graduate Certificate to Graduate Degree StatusPublic Health Writing Competency RequirementPre-enrollment Physical Examination, Tuberculosis Skin Test, ImmunizationsProcedures for Students Alleging Discrimination (see Grievance Procedures)Recording Lectures (see Computer Email Resources)Refund of Fees (see Fees)RegistrationRepeating CoursesRoom Use in COPHSexual HarassmentSmoke-Free Campus PolicySocial Networking PolicySolicitationStudent Organizations/InvolvementStudents with DisabilitiesSubstance Abuse Policy



Successful Completion of Individual Courses (see Degree Requirements)Time Frame for Completion of Degree (see Degree Requirements)TranscriptsTransfer CreditsTransferring from Non-Degree to Degree Seeking StatusUse of Aliases (see Correction of Student and Alumni Basic Information)Vehicle Operation on CampusWithdrawing from School

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

Students are expected to follow all policies established by the University of Arkansas SystemBoard of Trustees, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Fay W. BoozmanCollege of Public Health. Relevant policies are summarized below, with references to full policiesthat may be available in other locations. All policies are subject to revision.

ACADEMIC PROBATION/DISMISSAL

Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs in the COPH who earn less than a 3.00cumulative COPH grade-point average (GPA - rounded to the nearest 1/100th point) on nine (9)or more semester credit hours of course work applicable to their degree program, will be placedon academic probation. Students placed on academic probation must achieve a cumulativeCOPH GPA of 3.00 or higher upon or before the successful completion of the next nine (9)semester credit hours. The next nine (9) semester credit hours may be completed in one ormore semesters. Upon achievement of a cumulative COPH GPA of 3.00 or higher, the studentwill be removed from academic probation.

Dismissal from the College will occur if the student’s cumulative COPH GPA is not raised to 3.00at the end of the semester in which the student completes the final hour of the next nine (9)semester credit hours of course work approved by the student’s program. If, at the time astudent is initially placed on academic probation, it is mathematically impossible for the studentto raise her/his cumulative COPH GPA to 3.00 at the end of a semester in which he or shecompletes the final hour of the next nine (9) semester credit hours of course work, the studentwill be immediately dismissed from the College.

A COPH student will be dismissed from further study at any time if her/his performance isdetermined to be unsatisfactory by either the program faculty or the Dean of the COPH. Adetermination of unsatisfactory performance may be based on academic dishonesty, an HonorCode violation, and/or failure to maintain a specified cumulative grade-point average. Policiesregarding academic dishonesty and other Honor Code violations are described in the COPHHonor Code ( https://publichealth.uams.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/02/COPH-Honor-Code.pdf ).

Students enrolled in a COPH doctoral program may be administratively dismissed from thedoctoral program if the student fails to pass their respective qualifying exam or if they are unableto complete the program within the allotted time as specified in their respective departmentaldoctoral degree policies. In such cases, students are not academically dismissed from the COPH;they are administratively dismissed from the particular doctoral program to which they were

https://publichealth.uams.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/02/COPH-Honor-Code.pdf



admitted. Upon administrative dismissal, a student is eligible to apply to another COPH academicprogram (e.g. a doctoral program in another department).

Students academically dismissed are NOT eligible to regain student status within the COPH.

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION

As a general rule, good academic progress for a student taking coursework can be defined ascompleting six credit hours or more within an academic year.

Students who have not successfully completed at least one course within three (3) consecutivesemesters will lose their active student status. Before being allowed to register again, masters orcertificate programs students must contact the Office of Student Affairs and the associate deanto request reinstatement, and doctoral students must contact their doctoral degree programdirector to request reinstatement.

Students who have not completed a minimum of three (3) credit hours during a period of twoacademic years will be dismissed from the COPH and must complete an application forreadmission before being allowed to continue their studies.

ADDING/DROPPING COURSES

Class days start on the date listed on the academic calendar as the date the semester begins.For the purposes of dropping classes, the number of class days specified refers to the number ofcalendar days following the day on which classes started (exclusive of weekends and holidays)regardless of how many, if any, class sessions in a particular course were held.

Students must pay a late fee in order to register after formal registration closes, Students whodo not register by the last published day of registration have five (5) class days after that date tocomplete the registration process when accompanied by the late fee. Students will not beallowed to register after that date unless permission is granted by the Associate Dean forAcademic Affairs of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. This applies to all studentsregardless of student status, date of first class meeting or class location. (For the purpose of lateregistration, the number of class days specified above refers to the number of calendar daysfollowing the days on which formal registration closes regardless of how many, if any, classsessions in a particular course were held.)

A course may be dropped during the first 20 calendar days of a fall or spring semester withouthaving the withdrawal shown on the official record. After the first 20 calendar days, and beforethe last 20 calendar days of a fall or spring semester, a student may drop a course, but a mark of"W", indicating withdrawal, will be recorded. A student may not drop a course during the last 20calendar days of a fall or spring semester.

A course may be dropped during the first ten (10) calendar days of a summer session withouthaving the withdrawal shown on the official record. After the first ten (10) calendar days andbefore the last ten (10) calendar days of a summer session, a student may drop a course, but amark of "W" indicating withdrawal, will be recorded. A student may not drop a course duringthe last ten (10) calendar days of a summer session.



Dropping Weekend Courses

A weekend course may be dropped at the end of the first class meeting but a mark of "W"indicating withdrawal will be recorded unless the first class meeting occurs within the first 20calendar days of a fall or spring semester and/or the first 10 calendar days of a summer session.

NOTE: Once a student has completed on-line registration, he or she must complete and provideto the Registrar a COPH Add/Drop Form in order to officially drop a course; otherwise, thecourse will remain on the transcript. This form is available on the COPH website athttp://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/forms/ . Refunds will NOT be givenfor dropped courses unless the course is dropped before the REFUND deadline as definedby the COPH Academic Calendar available athttp://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/academic-calendar/.

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Application for graduation must be made to the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) andfees paid prior to the last official date of registration for the semester in which degreerequirements will be completed and graduation effected. If a student fails to complete thedegree, the student must contact the OUR concerning renewal of the application or withdrawalfrom the COPH. Clearance is required from certain UAMS offices (library, parking, etc.) before astudent may receive her/his degree.

APPEALING A FINAL COURSE GRADE

A student may appeal a final course grade that has been awarded for their academicperformance. The appeal must be made within 30 days of the posting of the grade in the UAMSstudent information system. The appeal is made in writing to the faculty member who assignedthe grade for the course. This faculty member will respond to the student within 30 days of thedate of the appeal.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to be diligent in the pursuit of their studies and in their class attendance.Students have the responsibility of making arrangements satisfactory to the instructor regardingall absences. Such arrangements should be made prior to the absence, if possible. Policies ofmaking up work missed as a result of absence are at the discretion of the instructor andstudents should verify the policies of their instructors at the beginning of each semester.

AUDITING A COURSE

When a student takes a course for audit, s/he must register, pay the appropriate fees, and beadmitted to class on a space available basis. Instructors will notify students of the requirementsfor receiving the mark of “AU” for audited courses. If the student is not satisfying therequirements specified by the instructor, the instructor or Dean may drop a student from thecourse being audited. The student will be notified if this action is taken.

http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/forms/

http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/academic-calendar/



The cost for auditing is the same as taking classes for semester credit. The last day to changefrom audit to credit is the fifth (5th) calendar day of classes. Changing credit to audit must bedone during the first one-half of the course.

The only successful grade or mark which may be given is “AU” and no course credit will beawarded. Courses completed with grades of “AU” are not counted towards completion ofdegree requirements.

AUTOMOBILE REGISTRATION

UAMS endeavors to provide parking spaces for all employees and students, but it also has anobligation to provide parking facilities to patients and their families, as well as visitingphysicians. Parking regulations are designed to assure that parking spaces are used to themaximum for the convenience of all concerned.

All faculty, students and staff of UAMS who park on campus at any time are required to registertheir vehicles with the UAMS Parking Division and display the appropriate registration decal onthe vehicle. Requirements for registration are a completed registration form, a State MotorVehicle Registration (pink slip) and payment of a fee. Parking is enforced at all times, and anyvehicle displaying an expired decal or not displaying an appropriate decal may be ticketed.Failure to pay parking tickets may result in the withholding of academic records or, if ticketsaccumulate without proper payment, the vehicle may be impounded.

Additional information, including parking application forms, maps, and fee schedules can beaccessed at http://www.uams.edu/parking/.

BIOLOGY COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT

All Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Health and MPH students must satisfy the COPHBiology Competency requirement. Students with an undergraduate degree in biology or aclosely related field (e.g. biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, nursing) or who are currentlyenrolled in such a program automatically satisfy the requirement. For students without a lifesciences degree who have taken undergraduate or graduate-level biology courses, the COPHBiology Competency Committee will determine if they have satisfied the requirement. Studentswho do not meet the biology competency requirements must successfully complete 3 biologycompetency exams before or during their first semester of enrollment with a score of 75%or higher. Students who do not pass one or more of the exams will be required to register forthe 1-hour Biology course in each subject area in which they did not pass at the next availableoffering (Spring or Fall). Exams are given each semester – dates for the exams can be found onthe COPH Academic Calendar. Students are allowed two attempts at each exam.

Students who do not pass all 3 exams in their first semester must register for the Biologycourse(s) related to the Biology exams that they did not pass, and will not be able to register forthe Environmental and Occupational Health and Epidemiology core courses. If the student doesnot pass the Biology course(s) on the first attempt, then they may only register for thecorresponding Biology courses in the next semester. Failure to pass one or more of the Biologycourses on the second attempt may lead to dismissal from the MPH program. The BiologyCompetency courses do NOT count toward the curriculum requirements for the Post-

http://www.uams.edu/parking/



Baccalaureate Certificate or MPH degree, as they are considered pre-requisite knowledgefor Certificate and MPH students.

BUILDING USE

UAMS has a concern about improper use of the roofs of its buildings and their exterior sides.Such portions of buildings are not intended for general traffic. Personal injuries and damage toroofs and buildings may result from their unauthorized use. Regulations are summarized below.More detailed information can be found athttp://www.uams.edu/academicaffairs/Administrative%20Memoranda/Admin%20Memo%20720.1.pdf.

1. Roofs and external sides of buildings may only be accessed by University employees, suchas Physical Plant personnel, having a need directly associated with their work. All othersmust request access through the Director of the Physical Plant.

2. Any persons found in or on the restricted areas without proper permission will beremoved and arrested for trespassing and/or charged with violation of institutionalregulations.

3. Rappelling using University buildings is specifically prohibited.

CIVILITY POLICY

The Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health (COPH) at the University of Arkansas for MedicalSciences (UAMS) is committed to operating in a manner that promotes mutual trust and publicconfidence. All members of the COPH community are responsible for sustaining the core valuesof this institution which includes integrity, respect, diversity, teamwork, creativity, and excellenceand for integrating these values into teaching, research, community engagement, businesspractices, and other services. Ethical, appropriate and respectful conduct at all times is afundamental expectation for every COPH community member. Further information is availableat http://publichealth.uams.edu/about-coph/coph-policies/.

COMPUTER AND E-MAIL RESOURCES

Network access: Access to the UAMS network, including access to the Internet via the UAMSnetwork, on-line reference and information resources provided through the UAMS Library, andother UAMS computing resources is, generally speaking, restricted to persons having a UAMSnetwork account, i.e. a UAMS network domain logon id and password. All active UAMS studentsreceive UAMS network accounts. Information about network accounts is provided to newstudents during the registration or orientation sessions.

Everyone granted access to the UAMS network must review and sign the UAMS ConfidentialityAgreement (see Confidentiality Policy above). Your UAMS network account is to be used only byyou. Do not share your UAMS network logon identification and password.

Passwords:

Passwords for UAMS network accounts are case sensitive and must be a minimum of 8characters long. They can be up to 240 characters long.

http://www.uams.edu/academicaffairs/Administrative%20Memoranda/Admin%20Memo%20720.1.pdf

http://publichealth.uams.edu/about-coph/coph-policies/



Passwords must include 3 of the following: upper case letter, lower case letter, number,and/or special character.Passwords should not be overtly based on personal information such as family members'or pets' names, birth dates, or similar information.Network passwords can include spaces.Your UAMS network account password expires every 120 days. As the expiration of yourpassword approaches you will receive warnings when you log onto the UAMS network.You can change your password at that time. You can also change your password at anytime by clicking on "Reset Your UAMS Domain Password" at http://webmail.uams.edu/.Sharing your logon information or using someone else's logon information to gain accessto the UAMS network or information systems violates UAMS policy and the UAMSConfidentiality Agreement.Change your password if you suspect any problems. If you suspect someone else has usedyour account notify the IT Security Department at 501-686-6207.

Acceptable Use of UAMS Network and Computer Resources: The UAMS network, computerlabs, and other computing resources support the teaching, research, clinical care, and servicemissions of UAMS. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to use these resources as toolsfor work, learning, communication, and research. It must be recognized, however, that theseresources serve a large number of users for a variety of purposes. The following guidelinesdescribe acceptable and unacceptable uses of these resources. They are intended to foster useof these resources which is consistent with their intended purposes and which is responsible,appropriate, efficient, and in accord with legal and ethical standards.

Acceptable uses include:

Use for UAMS course assignments or any project assigned by a UAMS faculty member.Use to facilitate UAMS research projects or other UAMS work-related projects.Communication with faculty, staff, and students at UAMS to share information.Communication with faculty, staff, and students at other universities for the purpose ofexchanging educational or general information.Use of Internet access for personal information research and personal communication withothers at UAMS and elsewhere is acceptable if such use is not excessive, does not interferewith use of resources for education or research, and does not violate any other acceptableuse provisions or UAMS policies.

Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to:

Use of Internet access or other resources for mass transfers of personal files or othermaterials or for any other personal purpose which consumes a large amount of networkbandwidth or other network or computing resources is unacceptable.Unauthorized use of these resources by non-UAMS personnel.Use for any purpose that violates U.S. or state laws, including copyright laws. (See theGuidelines for UAMS Faculty, Staff, and Students Using Copyrighted Materials athttp://library.uams.edu/scholarly-resources/copyright-information/guidelines-for-uams-faculty-staff-and-students-using-copyrighted-materials/ .)Use which violates any other applicable UAMS policy.Downloading information from Internet sites to be used in committing a crime or whichcan result in harm to others.

http://webmail.uams.edu/

http://library.uams.edu/scholarly-resources/copyright-information/guidelines-for-uams-faculty-staff-and-students-using-copyrighted-materials/



Use for any commercial enterprise or for outside employment.Creation or propagation of computer viruses.Unauthorized entry into other computers or information systems.Use in a manner that interferes with or disrupts other users, services, or equipment.

Use of these resources for course assignments, education, research, and UAMS work-relatedprojects has precedence over all other uses.

As a member of the UAMS community you are also obligated to observe all UAMS policiesrelating to the use of network and computer resources. Consult the UAMS Administrative Guideat http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/index.html to review UAMS policies. See in particular...

Confidentiality Policyhttp://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_15_Confidentiality_Policy.pdf

Email Access and Usagehttp://www.uams.edu/adminguide/Win07112.html

Wireless Networking http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/7.1.13.pdf

Access to Internet http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/Win07211.html

UAMS Wiki and Blog http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/7.02.02.pdf

Mobile Device Safeguard http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/hipaa_3.1.17.pdf

Information Security/Password Mgt http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/hipaa_7.3.08.pdf

Revocation of access: Violation of the Acceptable Use Guidelines or other UAMS policies mayresult in loss of your privileges to use the UAMS network and computing resources and/ordisciplinary action by the COPH.

Internet access: Access to the Internet is provided through the UAMS network. Other than inparticular cases, such as the public access PC’s in the UAMS Library or guest access through theUAMS wireless network, you must log onto the UAMS network using your own UAMS networkaccount in order to gain access to the Internet.

Email: All students receive UAMS email accounts. You will receive information about your emailaccount during the registration or orientation process. Email services for UAMS students, faculty,and staff are provided through Microsoft Exchange and Outlook. You can access your emailaccount via the web at http://webmail.uams.edu/ using an up-to-date Web browser. Thisrequires that you have an active UAMS network logon id and password.

All official emails from the COPH Office of Student Affairs, faculty and staff will be made throughthe UAMS email system. While you may maintain a personal email account through anotherprovider, you should not expect that official communications will be sent to an address otherthan your official UAMS email address.

Technical Support: For resolution of issues related to your UAMS network or email accountsand computer security provisions contact the UAMS Technical Support Center at 686-8555 orhelpdesk/[email protected]. Technical Support Center staff will answer yourquestions or direct your call or request to the appropriate support personnel.

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/index.html

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_15_Confidentiality_Policy.pdf

http://www.uams.edu/adminguide/Win07112.html

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/7.1.13.pdf

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/Win07211.html

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/7.02.02.pdf

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/hipaa_3.1.17.pdf

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/hipaa_7.3.08.pdf


mailto:helpdesk/[email protected]



Computer labs: The principal computer facilities available to all UAMS students are the publiccomputer access areas in the UAMS Library (1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors) and the Library LearningResource Center (LRC) computer labs (3rd and 5th floors of the Library). The public accesscomputers in the Library provide access to the Library catalog, on-line resources, the Internet,and Microsoft Office applications. In addition to these services a wide variety of computer-based educational resources and other software are available in the LRC computer labs. Librarycomputer facilities available after work hours are equipped with security provisions includingcard-swipe door access devices, door alarms, and monitored security cameras. See the Librarysection of the handbook for more information.

Computer classrooms: A computer classroom is located on the 1st floor of the COPH (COPH1230/1250). The room is accessed by swiping your ID badge through the door access device.While the computer classroom is primarily reserved for instructional activities (e.g., classes);however, students may use the computers in this classroom when classes are not in session.

Confidential Information: Confidential Information including ePHI must never be stored onpersonal devices or media (laptop, thumb drive, CD or DVD).

Recording Lectures: Lecture and lab presentations are the intellectual property of the facultyand faculty must give permission for their lecture, lab, or other presentations to be recorded.Some lectures/labs will not be recorded. Recorded lectures/labs may only be posted on websites or other locations approved by the COPH. Students are prohibited from providing ordistributing these materials in any manner - print, electronic, or any other media - or links tothese materials to anyone outside of their UAMS classes.

Failure to abide by this policy may constitute a copyright infringement which may have legalconsequences. Furthermore, failure to abide by this policy may result in disciplinary action,including dismissal.

CONDUCT

A student seeking a professional degree is considered to be a mature adult whose attitude,conduct, and morals are compatible with the functions and missions of UAMS as an educationalinstitution. Each student is expected to comply with requests of University officials in theperformance of their duties; to obey the laws of the city, state, and nation; and to refrain fromconduct that would demean the ethics and integrity of the Fay W. Boozman College of PublicHealth. Unsatisfactory conduct may result in dismissal from the program.

CONFIDENTIALITY

UAMS takes very seriously its responsibility to protect the privacy of patients, employees andstudents. To do this, the University has established a set of detailed policies outlining theprocedures that must be used to protect information and how violations are to be handled.

Policies related to HIPAA are summarized below (see “HIPAA Policies”).

Policies related to the appropriate use of computers and computer security are summarizedbelow (see “Computer Use”).



UAMS requires all employees, students, and vendors requiring access to the UAMS computersystem to have a current Confidentiality Agreement on file in the IT Security Office. Additionalinformation and a copy of the Confidentiality Agreement form can be found atwww.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/SEction%203/3_1_15_Confidentiality_Policy.pdf. The form canalso be found on the Student Portal at https://online-apps.uams.edu/info/Home.aspx.

CONVOCATION CEREMONY

The Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health sponsors a Convocation ceremony for graduatingstudents of all College programs and members of their families. This ceremony is typicallyscheduled on the morning of Commencement in May each year, and all graduates areencouraged to attend. Numerous awards are presented to students and faculty by peers, as wellas awards to faculty by students.

COPH CERTIFICATE AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Course requirements for each of the post-baccalaureate certificates and the Master of PublicHealth, Master of Health Administration, Doctor of Public Health, and Doctor of Philosophydegrees offered by the COPH are detailed in the Track Planners. Listed below are otherrequirements of the COPH for the awarding of the certificates and degrees.

CORRECTION OF STUDENT AND ALUMNI BASIC INFORMATION/ USE OFALIASES

Whenever any basic information in a student or alumni file, such as a name or address, becomesoutdated, written notice should be filed with the COPH Registrar. Students and alumni shouldprovide the Office of Student Affairs with any and all names as they may appear on transcriptsfrom undergraduate schools.

CREDIT HOUR CALCULATIONS

The COPH adheres to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education’s (ADHE) minimumrequirements for credit hour production as defined at:https://static.ark.org/eeuploads/adhe/Whole_Board_Policy_10-01-15.pdf

The COPH requires a minimum of 15-17 hours of lecture or class time and 45-51 hours ofoutside preparation per semester credit hour for its didactic courses.

CUMULATIVE GPA POLICY

The Cumulative COPH GPA will include all courses taken at UAMS since admission to the currentCOPH academic program. The Cumulative UAMS GPA will include all courses taken at UAMS.Both GPAs will include repeated courses.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Course requirements for each of the degrees offered by the College of Public Health aredetailed in the Course Catalog. Listed below are other requirements of the UAMS Fay W.

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/SEction%203/3_1_15_Confidentiality_Policy.pdf

https://online-apps.uams.edu/info/Home.aspx

https://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/registration/degree-track-planners/

https://static.ark.org/eeuploads/adhe/Whole_Board_Policy_10-01-15.pdf

http://securedev.uams.edu/cophstudent/courses.aspx



Boozman College of Public Health for the awarding of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Masterof Public Health, Master of Health Services Administration and Doctor of Public Health degrees.

TIME FRAME FOR COMPLETION OF DEGREE

All requirements for a post-baccalaureate certificate, MHA, or MPH degree must be satisfiedwithin six (6) consecutive calendar years from the first registration (whether as a certificate ordegree candidate, or a non-degree student) with the COPH.

All doctoral degree program requirements must be completed within ten (10) consecutivecalendar years from the first registration in courses for the doctoral degree program. Alldoctoral programs have specific time lines with interim milestones. See doctoral programpolicies

Combined degree seeking students (MACS/MPH, MA/MPH, MD/MPH, JD/MPH, MPS/MPH, andPharmD/MPH) are expected to complete all MPH degree requirements within eight (8)consecutive calendar years.

Decision of Acceptance

An offer of acceptance to a certificate or master’s program is valid for a maximum of onecalendar year from the admitted term of acceptance. Acceptance is defined as enrolling with theCOPH. An applicant’s decision to accept, decline or defer entrance into the respective programmust be communicated in writing to the appropriate program director(s) within the time periodstated in the offer letter or the offer will become void. See doctoral degree program policies forspecific time lines for acceptance into those programs

GRADE POINT AVERAGE AND SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

All enrollments, original and repeated, will be shown on the student’s transcript and all gradesearned are used to calculate the Cumulative UAMS Grade Point Average (GPA). All enrollments,original and repeated, and all grades earned at UAMS since admission to the current COPHacademic program will be used to calculate the Cumulative COPH GPA.

To receive a degree, a candidate must present a minimum Cumulative COPH GPA of 3.00 at thetime of requested graduation.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF INDIVIDUAL COURSES

For master’s and certificate programs, courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or aboveto be considered successfully completed. For doctoral degree programs, courses must becompleted with a grade of “B” or above to be considered successfully completed. Only coursesthat are successfully completed will be used to count towards degree requirements. When alisted requirement for enrollment in a course includes completion of a prerequisite course, theprerequisite course must have been completed successfully.

Degree Application

https://publichealth.uams.edu/academics/doctoral/doctoral-policies/



For students wishing to graduate at the end of a semester, a fully completed degree applicationmust be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the last official day of registration for thatsemester.

Campus Clearance

Completion of the campus clearance procedures as directed by the Office of the Associate Deanfor Academic Affairs is required prior to the awarding of the degree.

Degree programs that are overseen through the Graduate School are subject to the rules andregulations of the UAMS Graduate School. Specific information may be found on their websiteat gradschool.uams.edu.

DRUG-FREE AWARENESS STATEMENT

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences supports the concept of a drug-free workplace,as enacted in the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the State of Arkansas ExecutiveOrder EO-89-2, issued March 30, 1989.

As a health care institution, employees who abuse drugs on the job pose an imminent danger topatients, visitors, and others we serve. It is the policy of the State of Arkansas, and UAMS, thatthe unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlledsubstance while on UAMS premises or during the course of any University assignment isprohibited.

Any employee who illegally uses, gives, sells, or in any way transfers a controlled substancewhile on the job or UAMS premises will be subject to disciplinary action up to and includingtermination. This includes employees who report to work under the influence of drugs, if theyare not able to perform their jobs in an efficient and safe manner.

The UAMS Drug-Free Workplace policy can be accessed athttp://www.uams.edu/adminguide/PDFs/Section%204/4.4.05.pdf.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS

The student’s UAMS e-mail account is the mode of communication that the College of PublicHealth will use to communicate with students about all matters. It is the responsibility of thestudent to check her/his UAMS e-mail account regularly for official COPH information.

All students receive UAMS e-mail accounts. Students receive information about e-mail accountsduring registration and orientation. The UAMS e-mail system may be used through a standardWeb browser or through client software that can be installed on personal computers. Thissoftware is free and is available for PC's and Macs. Visit http://webmail.uams.edu/ for moreinformation about UAMS e-mail. Please contact the UAMS Information Technology (IT) SupportCenter at (501) 686-8555 with questions about UAMS exchange e-mail.

In order to receive the maximum benefit from classroom instruction and communityinvolvement, students attending classes in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health areexpected to have access to a computer with internet access. In order to assist with this

http://gradschool.uams.edu/

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expectation, the COPH maintains two computer classrooms for COPH students in rooms 1230and 1250 of the COPH Building. These computers are available for student use unless a class isusing the computer classrooms.

UAMS educational facilities include several computer classrooms used for scheduled computer-based classes and exams. These computer classrooms are located on the 8th floor of the Ed IIbuilding (rooms 8/105, Lab 8A, and Lab 8B). They are equipped with security provisionsincluding card-swipe door access devices, door alarms, and monitored security cameras. Use ofthese facilities is scheduled through the Office of Academic Services and is ordinarily restrictedto UAMS curricular activities or other UAMS sponsored educational programs.

EXIT PROCEDURES

Completion of the campus clearance procedures as directed by the Office of the Associate Deanfor Academic Affairs and is required prior to the awarding of the degree. Academic programsthat are overseen through the Graduate School are subject to the rules and regulations of theUAMS Graduate School. Specific information may be found on their website atgradschool.uams.edu.

FEES

Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE

Please refer to the COPH website (http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/registration/tuition-and-fees/ ) for current tuition and fees.

Tuition and fees are waived at UAMS for dependents of Arkansas citizens who have beendeclared prisoners of war, or killed or missing in action. Once a person qualifies as a dependent,there shall be no situation, such as the return of the parent or the reported death of the parent,which will remove the dependent from the provisions or benefits of the act waiving tuition.

Students whose tuition is to be paid from sources other than personal funds must provideappropriate documentation to the UAMS Office of Student Financial Services (501-686-6128).Students who are on assistantships must contact their advisors regarding obtaining priorapproval for tuition payment. Students whose tuition is to be paid by the department mustpresent a memorandum for payment of tuition.

A tuition discount is currently available for full-time employees of the University. Suchemployees must present a fully executed Employee Tuition Discount Form prior to the lastofficial day of registration for each semester in order to receive the employee discount. Theseforms may be obtained at http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/forms/. Thecompleted form must be presented prior to the close of registration in order to receive theEmployee Discount. This discount will no longer be offered beginning Fall semester, 2015.

Official policies of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees provide the basis for classifyingstudents as either “in-state” (resident) or “out-of-state” (non-resident) for the purpose of payingstudent fees. These policies can be found at http://vcfa.uark.edu/741.php. (See particularlyPolicy 520.8) Out-of- state (non-resident) students who question their residency classificationare encouraged to contact the Office of the UAMS Provost and Chief Academic Officer (501-

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http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/forms/



686-5672), www.academicaffairs.uams.edu, for more information about residence classificationreview procedures.

Late Registration Fee

The COPH is authorized to collect a late registration fee from students who fail to register andpay all fees prior to the close of COPH registration each semester. Please see our website forcurrent fee information: http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/registration/tuition-and-fees/.

Refund of Fees

Payment by Check: If Student Financial Services receives an authorized refund request, therefund will not be processed until 30 days from the date the check was deposited.

Payment by Credit Card: If Student Financial Services receives an authorized refund request; therefund will be processed within 24 hours provided the student furnishes his/her credit cardinformation.

All other forms of payment: If Student Financial Services receives an authorized refund request;the refund will be processed within 24 hours.

Definition of Class Days

Class days start on the date listed on the academic calendar as the date the semester begins.For the purposes of dropping classes, the number of class days specified above refers to thenumber of calendar days following the day on which classes started (exclusive of weekends andholidays) regardless of how many, if any, class sessions in a particular course were held.

Fall or Spring Semester Withdrawals

Any student who officially withdraws from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciencesduring a FALL OR SPRING SEMESTER shall be entitled to a refund of registration, tuition, andfees as follows:

* Up to and including five (5) class days: 100%

* From the sixth (6th) class day through the tenth (10th) class day: 50%

* From the eleventh (11th) class day and after: No Refund

Any student who drops one or more courses during a FALL OR SPRING SEMESTER shall beentitled to individual course refunds of registration, tuition and fees as follows:

*Up to and including five (5) class days: 100%

*From the sixth (6th) class day and after: No Refund

Summer Session Withdrawals



Any student who officially withdraws from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciencesduring a SUMMER SEMESTER shall be entitled to a refund of registration, tuition and fees asfollows:

*Prior to start of classes: 100%

*Up to and including three (3) class days: 100%

*From the fourth (4th) through the sixth (6th) class day: 50%

*From the seventh (7th) and after: No Refund

Any student who drops one or more classes and continues to be enrolled in the Universityduring a SUMMER SESSION shall be entitled to a refund of registration, tuition, and fees asfollows:

*Prior to start of classes: 100%

*Up to and including three (3) class days: 100%

*The fourth (4th) class day and after : No Refund

Weekend Class Withdrawals (3 weekend sessions)

Any student who registers for a weekend course and decides to drop the course shall beentitled to a refund of registration, tuition, and fees as follows:

*Prior to start of semester classes: 100%

*The end of the first (1st) class meeting of the weekend class: 100%

*The second (2nd) day/class meeting and after: No Refund

FERPA POLICY

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords all students in higher educationinstitutions certain rights with respect to their education records. Some of these rights are onlyapplicable to students over 18 years of age.

The detailed FERPA policy (Academic Matters 2.200) can be accessed here. A summary of keyelements is below.

In accordance with FERPA regulations, UAMS assures that students have:

1. The right to inspect and review education records. A student should submit to the dean’soffice or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) thestudent wishes to inspect.

2. The right to request the amendment of the education record that the student believes isinaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights underFERPA. This right refers to information that the student feels has been documented

https://secure6.compliance360.com/DMZ/Policy/PolicySearch.aspx?PD=O8WBP3JVW9Y4qrzMdKbGKZU8dzE8pyV2sDlLbyP8h0pcsD2dsFLWBux%2boinWus9qT5k1t77t9%2bS06%2bbnact2IihLznIUGLLqmuQXqqkna50DwkB9K4nDAEF1QGeLkWQpCsK9xbRwimG1m9528BJTtQ%3d%3d



incorrectly, and is not an avenue to challenge whether a grade or other form of evaluationis appropriate.

3. The right to provide written consent before the university discloses personally identifiableinformation from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPAauthorizes disclosure without con¬sent. UAMS discloses education records withoutstudent prior written consent to university officials outside the college who have alegitimate educational interest in some or all of the information. Generally, the UAMSofficials who will have most routine access are those in Academic Affairs, Student andEmployee Health, Campus Security, Student Affairs and Information Technology. Otherofficials who may require access to some or all of the student record include officials atthe University of Arkansas System, a person serving on the University of Arkansas Board ofTrustees; or a student or faculty member serving on an official committee, such as adisciplinary or grievance com¬mittee.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning allegedfailures by UAMS to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

5. The right to restrict disclosure of directory information. Students desiring to restrict suchdisclosure must complete, sign and submit a Hold Directory Form.

UAMS reserves the right to disclose PII from students’ records without consent, in accordancewith FERPA regulations, to individuals or schools with a legitimate interest as specified by FERPA.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

It is ultimately the responsibility of the student to finance his/her education. However, the UAMSStudent Financial Services Office may be able to assist the student and his/her family inobtaining financial aid of various types. In order to receive financial aid, students must be fullyadmitted to a degree program of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health.

Information can be obtained in the UAMS Student Financial Services Office by calling (501) 686-5451. Students may also visit the UAMS financial aid website athttp://studentfinancialservices.uams.edu/.

POLICY FOR FULL TIME STATUS FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

Students who have completed all requirements for the degree except for defending the finaldissertation must continue to register for one or more semester credit hours for dissertationresearch each semester until the final dissertation has been successfully defended. The numberof semester credit hours must reflect the amount of student and faculty effort devoted todissertation activities during each semester. During this final stage of dissertation preparation,the College will recognize one semester credit hour of dissertation research as a full-time courseload.

COPH GRADES AND MARKS

Final grades for courses are “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “F”. (No semester credit is earned for coursesin which a grade of “F” is recorded.) A final grade of “F” shall be assigned to a student who isfailing on the basis of work completed but who has not completed all requirements. Theinstructor may change an “F” so assigned to a passing grade if warranted by satisfactory

http://studentfinancialservices.uams.edu/



completion of all requirements. For numerical evaluation of grades, “A” is assigned four (4)points for each semester credit hour of that grade; “B” three (3) points; “C” two (2) points; “D”one (1) point, and “F” zero (0) points.

A mark of “I” (incomplete) may be assigned to a student who has not completed all courserequirements if the work completed is of passing quality. An "I'" so assigned may be changed toa grade provided all course requirements have been completed within a maximum of twelve(12) weeks from the beginning of the next semester after receiving the "I" (Incomplete).However, a written and signed agreement between the student and the instructor shallsupersede this policy. If the instructor does not report a grade within the twelve-week period,the “I” shall be changed to an “F”. Violation of such an agreement may result in a change ofgrade of “I” to “F” before the twelve-week deadline has passed, based on the dates agreed to bythe student and instructor for completion of incomplete work. When the mark of “I” is changedto a final grade, this shall become the grade for the semester in which the course was originallytaken.

A mark of “AU” (Audit) is given to a student who officially registers and successfully completes acourse for audit purposes (see auditing a course). The only successful grade or mark which maybe given is “AU” and no course credit will be awarded. Courses completed with grades of “AU”are not counted towards completion of degree requirements. Instructors will notify students ofthe requirements for receiving the mark of “AU” for audited courses. If the student is notsatisfying the requirements specified by the instructor, the instructor or associate dean maydrop a student from the course being audited. The student will be notified if this action is taken.

If an instructor does not wish to award an “AU” to a student who enrolled for audit, thefollowing procedure will be followed:

a. If the student had no other obligation than to attend lectures, a notation will be madethat the course was “Not Completed.”b. If the student and instructor had agreed on certain obligations to be fulfilled by thestudent, the instructor shall write a letter indicating the nature of the arrangements andstating that the student did not complete the obligations. A notation will be made on theAcademic Transcript stating, “See letter in file.”

For courses designated to be graded on a Pass/Fail basis, “Pass” is given for a course for which astudent did work of a passing quality. The grade of “Pass” allows semester credit toward adegree but no grade points are earned. A grade of “Fail” indicates the student did not do workof passing quality, and no semester credit or grade points are awarded. The COPH allows amaximum of three (3) semester credit hours of “Pass/Fail” course work, excluding capstonecoursework (preceptorship and integration project), to count towards the minimum courserequirements of an MPH degree.

A mixing of course letter grades and the mark “Pass” or “Fail” is not permitted in post-baccalaureate courses and is not to be so reported on the Official Final Grade Report. If a lettergrade is reported for any student on the Final Grade Report, then all students listed on thatreport must receive a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) or a mark of “I”. A change of grade (from“Pass” or “Fail” to a letter grade) is not permitted for courses in which “Pass” or “Fail” marks arereported.



A mark of “In Progress” indicates that the student is currently enrolled in coursework for thesemester. The mark “In Progress” gives neither semester credit nor grade points toward adegree. When the course(s) are completed, a grade is assigned for required semester credithours only.

A mark of “S” (Satisfactory) is assigned in courses such as special problems and research when afinal grade is inappropriate. The mark “S” is not assigned to courses or work for which semestercredit is given (and thus, no grade points are earned for such work). If semester credit isawarded upon the completion of such work, a grade or mark may be assigned at that time and,if a grade is assigned, grade points will be earned.

A mark of “W” (Withdrawal) will be given for courses from which a student withdraws after thefirst twenty (20) class days and before the last twenty (20) class days of the semester or after thefirst ten (10) class days and before the last ten (10) class days of the summer session. (Class daysstart and end on the date listed on the academic calendar as the date the semester begins orends. For purpose of dropping classes, the number of class days specified above refers to thenumber of calendar days following the day on which classes started or preceding the number ofcalendar days on which classes end (exclusive of weekends and holidays) regardless of howmany, if any, class sessions in a particular course were held.)

GRADES AND TRANSCRIPTS WITHHELD

Grades and transcripts will be withheld and registration refused to any students who fail toreturn laboratory, library or other university property entrusted to their care; who fail to complywith rules governing the audit of student organization accounts; who have failed to pay anyfees, tuition, room and board charges, fines or other charges assessed by UAMS; or who havefailed to properly submit all required forms to the COPH Office of Student Affairs.

HONOR GRADUATES

The COPH recognizes students who graduate with an overall COPH GPA of 3.850 and above as‘honor graduates’. The designation of ‘honors’ for commencement and convocationparticipation (and printing in commencement and convocation programs) are determined at theend of the semester prior to graduation. Honors for transcript entry are determined at the endof the final semester. Grades earned for the graduating term will be included in thedetermination of honors status.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

It is the policy of UAMS that a student may have prompt resolution of her or his studentgrievances and that this is accomplished under orderly procedures. A "student" who mayprocess a grievance under this procedure is defined to mean a currently enrolled student of theUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. A "grievance" means a dispute concerning thestatus, rights, benefits, obligations and responsibilities of a student, including the availability ofservices for that student, under established UAMS programs and activities pursuant toregulations, policies and practices of the university. Not included are alleged violations of trafficand parking regulations, Honor Codes, or issues for which other procedures exist.



There are two types of grievances: discriminatory (because of race, sex, age, color, religion,national origin, disability or retaliation) and non-discriminatory (no alleged discrimination basedon race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability or retaliation).

Procedures for Non-Discriminatory Grievances

The Dean’s Appeals Committee (DAC) is an ad hoc committee assembled as part of a formal dueprocess appeals mechanism whereby complaints brought by any person (faculty, staff, student,visitor, or community member) involving COPH faculty, staff or students will receive impartialreview with recommendations to the Dean for disposition in matters not covered or supersededby COPH, UAMS or UA Board of Trustees (BOT) policies. This DAC procedure shall not be used toquestion a rule, procedure or policy that has been established by an authorized faculty oradministrative body. Rather, it shall be used only for those persons who believe that a rule,procedure or policy has been applied in an unfair or inequitable manner, or that there has beenunfair or improper treatment by a person or persons and for which no other formal due processmechanism is available. In the event of a grievance, pertinent and applicable COPH, UAMSand/or UA BOT policies and procedures will supersede this DAC policy. Persons consideringbringing a formal complaint are encouraged to review existing and available student, employeeand/or faculty policies and follow the procedures and process described in the COPH, UAMS orUA BOT policy if any of these polices are relevant. For example, grievances involving faculty willfollow specific procedures outlined in UAMS Administrative Guide Policy 12.5.01, 3.1.05;grievances involving non-faculty employee issues will follow UAMS Administrative Guide Policy4.4.16 and generally Section 3.1 and other policies as appropriate. In the event that a conflictbetween applicable policies is not readily resolvable, the Dean will recommend to thecomplainant about which university official to consult in determining which policy to follow.

In all grievances, an attempt shall be made to resolve the issue by referring the complainant tothe applicable Department Chair(s) or other administrative official(s) as appropriate. If thisapproach is unsuccessful in resolving the complaint, the Dean may, at his or her discretion,convene a DAC that is composed of a panel of persons not involved in the complaint andconsisting of: at least four faculty members drawn at random from a list of Associate and/or fullProfessors who have primary appointments in the College and who do not serve as DepartmentChairs; two staff members selected at random from a list of COPH employees; and two studentsselected at random from the roster of five students elected by the COPH student body to serveon the Honor Council. The COPH Assistant Dean for Student Affairs will confirm that thestudents selected for the DAC are in good standing and are not in their last semester at theCOPH or will be otherwise unavailable to serve. In the event that any person (faculty, staff orstudent) selected to serve on the DAC perceives a conflict involving the parties to the complaint,either actual or potential, or is otherwise unwilling to serve, that person will be permitted torecuse from service without prejudice. The recommendations of the Committee will betransmitted directly to the Dean for final resolution of the appeal.

Procedures for Students Alleging Discrimination

UAMS prohibits discrimination as defined by federal laws and regulations, such as Titles VI andVII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, ExecutiveOrder 11246, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sections 503 and 504), Titles I and II of theAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans



Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,ethnicity, color, sex, creed, age, marital or parental status, national origin, gender identity,gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin, disability, or veteran statusincluding disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam Era.

UAMS further prohibits discrimination as defined by its own policies, which may includeprotections for groups or subpopulations not specifically named as protected groups in federallaws or regulations. In particular, UAMS extends a specific expression of protection againstdiscrimination to all groups of persons identified in its Non-Discrimination Statement (AcademicMatters 2.300; http://academicaffairs.uams.edu/policies/200-academic-matters/) including butnot limited to persons of all sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity.

The full policy and detailed information concerning procedures (Academic Matters 2.400) can befound at: http://academicaffairs.uams.edu/policies/200-academic-matters/.

HANDBOOKS OF OTHER COLLEGES

The handbooks of other UAMS colleges and schools may publish information about the Fay W.Boozman College of Public Health programs relating to their course of study. This is provided asan informational service only and in no way replaces or supersedes the UAMS Fay W. BoozmanCollege of Public Health Student Handbook.

HAZING

Arkansas ACT 75 of 1983 establishes that “no student of any school, college, university or othereducational institution in Arkansas shall engage in what is commonly known and recognized ashazing, or encourage, aid or assist any other student in the commission of the offense.”

Hazing is defined as any willful act by one or more students, acting individually or together,directed against another student, including:

Threatening the student with social or other ostracismSubmitting the student to ignominy, shame or disgracePlaying abusive tricks in order to frighten or scare the studentHumbling the pride, stifling the ambition, or impairing the courage of the studentDiscouraging the student from remaining in schoolCausing the student to leave the institution rather than submit to such acts, andStriking, beating, bruising, or maiming, or seriously offering, threatening, or attempting tostrike, beat, bruise or maim, or threatening or attempting physical violence to the student.

Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor under Arkansas law. A student convicted of the offense ofhazing will, in addition to any punishment imposed by the court, be expelled from UAMS.

The full text of Act 75 of 1983 can be found here.

HEALTH INSURANCE

All full-time students enrolled at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are required byUniversity policy (http://studentlife.uams.edu/student-insurance-required/academic-health-

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http://securedev.uams.edu/cophstudent/hazing%20policy.pdf

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plans-student-insurance/) to have health insurance coverage at all times. The responsibility forobtaining health insurance coverage rests with the student. Students must confirm coverageunder an existing plan of insurance prior to registration or, if they do not have any existinginsurance, obtain such coverage.

Students are urged to investigate and find the policy best suited to their particular needs.Students may wish to access the Health Insurance Marketplace at https://www.healthcare.gov/.Students may qualify for subsidies to reduce the cost of coverage. In addition, a Student Injuryand Sickness plan is offered by Student Resources. The summary of its coverage, eligibilityrequirements, and instructions for enrollment of students and their eligible dependents can befound at https://uams.myahpcare.com/.

Students should carefully compare coverage and cost with any existing or contemplatedcoverage. If covered under an HMO type plan, there may be severe limitations on benefits forexpenses incurred outside of the plan's service area. Students should check to see that theyhave not become ineligible for coverage under another plan due to age limitations fordependents. Students are advised to carefully review their current policy's exclusions andlimitations.

All full-time students are required to sign a “Statement of Health Insurance Coverage” at thetime of registration. Registration is not complete until this statement, which affirms that thestudent has insurance, is on file with the COPH Office of Student Affairs. If a student is found tohave provided false information, the student may be subject to immediate dismissal fromUAMS.

Students will not be allowed to register if the insurance requirement is not met.

If insurance is allowed to lapse after registration, the University will assume no responsibility forexpenses incurred for health care services rendered to the student or her/his dependents.

HIPAA

The UAMS workforce and students will abide by the Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act of 1996, also known as HIPAA, and will conduct themselves in accordancewith the UAMS policies and procedures relating to the HIPAA Privacy Regulations. Any known orsuspected violations of the HIPAA Privacy Regulations must be reported.

UAMS workforce or students who report in good faith such violations or suspected violationsshall not be subjected to retaliation or harassment as a result of their report. Violations of thispolicy, including failure to report, may be grounds for sanctions ranging from disciplinary actionto termination or dismissal from an academic program.

UAMS’ HIPAA policies can be accessed at:

Definitions http://hipaa.uams.edu/DEFINITIONS%20-%20HIPAA.pdf

Privacy policies http://hipaa.uams.edu/Privacy%20Policies%20links.htm

Security policies http://hipaa.uams.edu/Security%20Policies%20links.htm

http://studentlife.uams.edu/student-insurance-required/academic-health-plans-student-insurance/

https://www.healthcare.gov/

https://uams.myahpcare.com/

http://hipaa.uams.edu/DEFINITIONS%20-%20HIPAA.pdf

http://hipaa.uams.edu/Privacy%20Policies%20links.htm

http://hipaa.uams.edu/Security%20Policies%20links.htm



Reference Guide http://hipaa.uams.edu/HIPAA%20Policy%20desk%20Rev%207-2012.pdf

HOLIDAYS FOR STUDENTS

The College of Public Health follows the academic calendar set by the University and publishedat http://academicaffairs.uams.edu/calendar/. In general, classes are not held on the followingholidays:

Labor Day (first Monday in September)

Veteran's Day (Nov. 11)

Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)

Christmas (December 25)

New Year's Day (January 1)

Martin Luther King’s birthday (3rd Monday in January)

President's Day (3rd Monday in February)

Memorial Day (last Monday in May)

*Independence Day (July 4)

When these holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, the holiday may be observed on an alternativeday (Friday or Monday). In addition to the above, holidays as declared by the Governor ofArkansas are observed.

The current COPH academic calendar can be found athttp://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/academic-calendar/.

HONOR CODE

All academic work in the COPH will be conducted under the honor system. COPH students areexpected to demonstrate appreciation of the trust placed in them by conscientiously adheringto the principles of the Code of Professional Conduct. The Code of Professional Conduct appliesto all activities and all behaviors that pertain to the academic work of COPH students. Allacademic assignments, research work and all examinations are encompassed as is theprofessional character and conduct of students in the COPH.

Honor Code: http://publichealth.uams.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/02/COPH-Honor-Code.pdf

COPH Constitution of the Honor Council: http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/student-organizations/honor-council/

Code of Academic Integrity: http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/student-organizations/

http://hipaa.uams.edu/HIPAA%20Policy%20desk%20Rev%207-2012.pdf

http://academicaffairs.uams.edu/calendar/

https://secure.uams.edu/cophstudent/student-handbook.aspx#conduct

http://publichealth.uams.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/02/COPH-Honor-Code.pdf

http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/student-organizations/honor-council/

http://publichealth.uams.edu/students/current-students/student-organizations/



ID BADGES

For those students attending classes on the UAMS campus, a picture identification card will bemade at the time of orientation. Students who are unable to attend orientation are responsiblefor contacting Creative Services to schedule an appointment to have badges made prior to thefirst class day.

At subsequent yearly registrations, a new sticker will be applied to show that the student iscurrently registered and in good standing. ID badges must be worn at all times while oncampus. <

Replacement badges can be obtained by calling Creative Services at (501) 686-5570 andreporting a lost badge. ID badges entitle students to use the UAMS library, obtain tickets toUniversity functions at student rates, and receive a discount in the Hospital Cafeteria orGourmet Bean.

IMMUNIZATIONS – CONTINUING STUDENTS

Students enrolled in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health are expected to follow publichealth and medical recommendations by maintaining an appropriate (current) vaccinationstatus. Annual TB screening is required if the student is working in patient care areas.

Seasonal influenza vaccine is required annually for all UAMS employees and students.Vaccination is provided at no cost by UAMS in the early fall. If the student chooses to obtain thevaccination outside of the UAMS free vaccination clinics, all costs are borne by the student andwritten verification of vaccination must be provided to the COPH Office of Student Affairs. Thefull policy can be found athttp://www.uams.edu/adminguide/PDFs/4_5_18_Employment_Medical_Screening.pdf.

A student who does not comply with the immunization policies can be administrativelywithdrawn from classes.

INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

As of the Fall 2015 semester, all COPH students are required to complete the UAMS Triple AimInterprofessional Education (IPE) Program prior to graduation. According to the World HealthOrganization (WHO), “Interprofessional Education occurs when two or more professions learnwith, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care.”

The IPE Program is non credit hour earning and consists of several workshops and otheractivities. All aspects of the IPE Program must be completed prior to degree programcompletion as a condition of graduation.

For more information, please consult the Office of Student Affairs or the Associate Dean forProfessional Programs.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

http://www.uams.edu/adminguide/PDFs/4_5_18_Employment_Medical_Screening.pdf



If the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) implements its inclement weatherpolicy, the following radio and television stations will broadcast the announcement: KARN-AM920, KURB-FM 98.5, KARK Channel 4, KATV Channel 7, or KTHV Channel 11. UAMS website willalso broadcast the policy.

By virtue of the mission of UAMS, the campus never closes. However, UAMS recognizesinclement weather may result in hazardous road conditions preventing students from SAFELYtraveling to class. Thus, when the inclement weather policy is in effect, all classroom activitieswill be cancelled for the remainder of that day. If the inclement weather policy is lifted duringthe day, classes will remain cancelled for the remainder of the day and evening.

You must exercise judgment with regard to the inclement weather policy. If the inclementweather policy has NOT been announced yet, and you believe it would be dangerous for you totravel to school, please stay home. Under these circumstances, however, you must make everyeffort to contact your instructor and explain your situation. You must then work with the coursefaculty to make up what you miss.

The UAMS inclement weather policy can be found athttp://uams.edu/AdminGUide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_02_Inclement_weather_personnel_Policy.pdf

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Introduction. A student who has initiated coursework may take an approved leave of absence(LOA) for reasons of 1) military service, 2) family care, 3) serious illness or 4) another reasondeemed adequate for interrupting graduate studies. The LOA may be for up to one year (12months), taken in segments or all together. A LOA stops the clock for whatever segment of theprogram they are in (e.g., pre-comps, post-comps) but does not extend the time limits allowedfor completion of degree. The eligibility of students on F-1 or J-1 visas for a LOA is constrainedby federal regulations.

Application and Approval. A LOA should be requested prior to starting the leave. To take a LOA,a student must meet with their faculty advisor to discuss the request and then submit acompleted form stating the start date, end date, and reasons for the leave. The form should besigned by the student, the recommending advisor, and doctoral program director (if student isenrolled in a doctoral program) before forwarding to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairsfor action. The Associate Dean will return the form to the student with “written notice” of theaction regarding the request, including any conditions of reinstatement.

Finances. Financial obligations to the University for past periods of matriculation are not waivedby a LOA. Students receiving financial support for their studies should be aware that taking aLOA may mean suspension or cessation of that support. Any student with university funding(i.e., stipend, fellowship, other assistantship) who is requesting a LOA should consult with theprogram director, department chair, and PI of relevant grants to determine the impact of a LOAon their support. Additional UAMS policy related to financial support during LOAs can be foundat http://studentfinancialservices.uams.edu/awards-division/leave-of-absence/.

Reinstatement or Renewal. At least 30 days prior to the conclusion of a leave of absence, astudent must submit a letter to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs stating his/her intent tobe reinstated or the desire to renew the leave (if the leave taken has not totaled to 12 months).

http://uams.edu/AdminGUide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_02_Inclement_weather_personnel_Policy.pdf

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If reinstatement is requested, any financial liabilities and other conditions of reinstatement mustbe completed. The conditions of reinstatement are determined at the beginning of the LOA bythe COPH and will be specified in writing when the student is notified of the LOA’s approval.

Automatic Withdrawal. A student who neither applies for reinstatement nor requests renewal ofthe LOA will be administratively withdrawn from the rosters of the COPH at the end of the LOAand notified by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. After such withdrawal, if the studentdesired to resume his/her studies, the student must apply for readmission through SOPHAS.

LOA Request Form

UAMS LIBRARY

501.686.5980

Library web site: https://library.uams.edu/

The UAMS Library web site serves as the gateway to all of the Library’s resources includingdatabases, eJournals, eBooks, and the online catalog and well as services and information. Toaccess resources use any of the following:

Computers on all floors of the UAMS LibraryWi-Fi access at all UAMS campusesRemote access from anywhere off campus to Library web site with some resourcesrestricted by UAMS network account and passwordMost UAMS Library online resources may be accessed from Arkansas Children’s Hospitalmedical library and Regional Center libraries via the UAMS Library web site and/or theirweb sites

UAMS Library

Location: Education II Building, 1st FloorPhone: 501-686-5980

Students are invited to take advantage of library computers, comfortable seating, group studyrooms, and quiet spaces located around the Library. Library Policies include general policies forfood and drink in the Library, library use and conduct, children in the Library, use of librarycomputers, and other policies and procedures. More information about the UAMS Library clickon “ABOUT’ on the UAMS Library web site.

Regular Library Hours:

Monday-Thursday 7:30 am – 10:00 pmFriday 7:30 am – 6:00 pmSaturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pmSunday 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm

The Library web site and main phone have current information on hours. Consult the HolidaySchedule on the web site for scheduled closings and holiday hours

http://securedev.uams.edu/cophstudent/LOA%20Request%20Form%20Sept.2019.pdf

https://library.uams.edu/

http://libguides.uams.edu/library-policies/general

http://libguides.uams.edu/hours



After Hour Access: After hours access (24 hours a day/7 days a week) to the Library 1st floorstudy areas is restricted via card swipe to current UAMS students and residents only. READIMPORTANT AFTER HOURS ACCESS PROCEDURES AND POLICY.

Inclement Weather: When “Inclement Weather” is declared at UAMS, the Library may be closedand may not be staffed. (Check on web site for info.). However, access to online resources willaccessible through the Library website and the after-hours access area on 1st floor will beavailable for students and residents.

Library Services

The Circulation Desk (staffed during all regular library hours) on the 1st floor can help you with:

Register online for check-out privilegesPrinting, Photocopying, Print Cards, & Scanning Services

Print charges are $0.10/per page (Black/White) and $0.20/page (Color)Check-Outs, Renewals, & Overdue fines

fines are charged for overdue items, materials not returned and/or damagedInterlibrary loan service for books and journals not available in the Library.

Education and Research Services:

Librarians are available from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday – FridayIn person, visit the Reference Office (1st floor of the Library-West side)By phone – 501.686.6734By email – [email protected]

Librarians provide assistance with

Selecting and searching databasesAccessing eBooksLocating journal articles and other information resourcesLocating tests and instrumentsRefWorks and Write-N-Cite citation management softwareUnderstanding and avoiding plagiarism

Research and Clinical Search Services: 686-6734

The Library’s Research and Clinical Search Services (RCSS) unit offers individual and informalsmall group instruction in the use of bibliographic databases (e.g., PubMed) and the RefWorkscitation management software. RCSS expert searchers also offer consultations to studentsaround issues such as selecting databases for specific search topics, building search strategies,and setting up auto-alerts/current awareness searches on topics of continuing interest.

Historical Research Center

Hours Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pmPhone: 501-686-6733

http://libguides.uams.edu/library-policies/after-hours

http://libguides.uams.edu/c.php?g=489601

https://uams.libwizard.com/loader.php?friendly=Registration



Location: Library – 5th Floor

The Historical Research Center (HRC) is maintains the UAMS Archives collection. Also the HRCacquires, preserves, and provides access to books and materials that document the history ofUAMS and of medicine and the health sciences in Arkansas. All materials available for researchare included in the library’s online catalog and many of the historical photographs anddocuments are available online Digital Collections.

Copyright information

Copyright informationCopyright Interactive Tutorial

Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violating Federal Copyright Laws

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one ormore of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of theCopyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduceor distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploadingsubstantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyonefound liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or"statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per workinfringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. Acourt can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17,United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment ofup to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

For more information, see the web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, andespecially their FAQs at www.copyright.gov/help/faq/.

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Overview

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree prepares students in the art and science ofpreventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized communityoutreach. Public health differs from other health programs in that it focuses on large populationgroups instead of individuals. It emphasizes promoting health and wellness as ultimate goalsand prevention over cure.

The MPH degree requires a student to complete 42 semester credit hours within one of sixavailable specialty tracks:

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BiostatisticsEpidemiologyEnvironmental and Occupational HealthHealth Behavior and Health EducationHealth Policy and ManagementRural and Global Health Public Health Practice (Online)

Each student is required to declare a specialty track in SOPHAS and is assigned an initialacademic advisor. Once the student is enrolled in the program, the student has the option tonegotiate advisors and/or change programs, in which case the student must complete theChange of Advisor/Specialty Track form and officially file this change with the Office of theUniversity Registrar (OUR).

MILITARY DUTY POLICY

Students enrolled in the COPH who are members of the National Guard, reserve units, or underother military obligation and are called to active military duty as a result of activation may electone of the following options:

1. The student can officially withdraw from the semester in which the student is currentlyenrolled and receive a full refund of all tuition and non-consumable fees for the term involved.A copy of the activation orders must be attached to the official form for withdrawal for thestudent to receive the full tuition and fee adjustment and refund. Students electing this optionwill receive a grade of “W” for the courses in which they were enrolled.

2. The student can arrange for a mark of “Incomplete” for each class for which he or she isenrolled, provided the work to date is of passing quality. In order to receive a mark of“Incomplete” in any course, the student must obtain agreement from the instructor of thecourse. After the mark of “I” is awarded, the provisions to the mark of “I” in the Grades andMarks portion of this handbook are applicable.

3. An instructor who believes a sufficient portion of a course has been completed may assign anappropriate final grade in that course at the time the student leaves.

There are no set “mandates” for what a faculty member must do to assist a student through theprocess; however, the campus has historically been very respectful of the student in the role ofactivation. The dean will work with department chairs and faculty during this process in order toensure proper procedures are followed.

Students, as soon as deployment orders are received, are able to take advantage of the policieslisted above, within reason, no matter the exact deployment date (even if the deployment dateis after the semester has ended) so that personal issues may be resolved before the actual dateof deployment. The letter to the treasurer requesting a refund for courses, should the studentchoose this option, should articulate the approval for refund as the call to active military duty.

NEEDLESTICK POLICY

The Needlestick Policy outlines the policy and procedures to follow when a student experiencesa needlestick/sharp injury, blood/body fluid exposure when fulfilling the requirement of a UAMS



education program. Regardless of where an incident occurs, students should be evaluatedIMMEDIATELY. If indicated, chemoprophylaxis must be started within 2 hours to be effective.

For incidents that occur at the UAMS Medical Center, the applicable policy can be found athttp://intranet.uams.edu/uh/Policy/Policy-PDF/Human%20Resources/HR401.pdf.

For incidents that occur at OFF-CAMPUS locations, the site-specific procedures for handling aneedlestick or blood/body fluid exposure as established by that site/facility are in effect andmay vary slightly from UAMS procedures. However, general requirements for notification,evaluation, and documentation are outlined.

The central points for UAMS students who experience a parenteral, mucous membrane, orcutaneous exposure to a blood/body fluid, regardless of practice site location, are:

1. Report the incident IMMEDIATELY to their clinical supervisor or instructor and appropriateCollege administrator.

2. Call Student and Employee Health Service (SEHS), 686-6565 or page 501-405-6734, as soonas possible regardless of where the incident occurs. However, in all cases, evaluation of theincident must occur IMMEDIATELY, and is not to be delayed pending discussion with SEHS.

3. The amount of risk incurred as a result of the exposure must be evaluated and prophylactictreatment must be started within 2 hours to be effective; therefore, students should seekevaluation and treatment IMMEDIATELY.

4. Complete the UAMS Incident and Injury (I&I) Report form available athttp://www.uams.edu/adminguide/PDFs/empinjury.pdf.

Under certain circumstances, it is recommended that individuals exposed to HIV through injury,etc., be offered combinations of anti-HIV medications for four weeks while surveillancelaboratory monitoring is taking place. This process will be coordinated throughStudent/Employee Health (SEHS), so it is important that any such exposure be reported to SEHSas quickly as possible.

Students who have a blood/body fluid exposure shall be evaluated by SEHS or the EmergencyDepartment (ED) and are required to complete an I&I Report form. All UAMS students arerequired to maintain a health insurance policy, which will be billed for services related toevaluation, treatment and monitoring. Deductible and co-pay costs not covered by the student’shealth insurance policy will be the responsibility of the student’s primary college. Insuredstudents will bear no out-of-pocket expenses.

The full UAMS Needlestick Policy can be found at: http://intranet.uams.edu/uh/Policy/Policy-PDF/Human%20Resources/HR401.pdf

The Injury and Incident Report form can be accessed at:http://www.uams.edu/adminguide/PDFs/empinjury.pdf

NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS

http://intranet.uams.edu/uh/Policy/Policy-PDF/Human%20Resources/HR401.pdf

http://www.uams.edu/adminguide/PDFs/empinjury.pdf

http://intranet.uams.edu/uh/Policy/Policy-PDF/Human%20Resources/HR401.pdf

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Individuals may be granted permission, at the discretion of the instructor and/or department, toenroll in classes as non-degree seeking students. Formal admission to the COPH certificate ordegree programs is not required; however, students in this category must complete a non-degree seeking application to the COPH Office of Student Affairs prior to each semester forwhich they are seeking non-degree status and are subject to the provisions of the section in theCOPH Course Catalog titled “Non-Degree Seeking Students.”

Non-degree seeking students generally will be allowed to enroll in courses on a space availablebasis once all degree seeking students have been placed on the class roster. It is important tonote that in some instances, courses will be over-enrolled with degree candidates, and whenthis occurs, no non-degree seeking students will be able to enroll. The application fee will notbe refunded.

A student who has not been accepted in a program of study leading to a specific COPHcertificate or degree may take no more than twelve (12) semester hours of COPH courseworkthat can be counted toward the requirements for a COPH certificate or degree.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of UAMS that members of the University community neither commit nor condoneacts of bigotry, racism, or discrimination. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis ofrace, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, color, national origin,religion, age, marital status, ethnic origin, disability, and veterans including disabled veteransand veterans of the Vietnam Era with respect to all aspects of the student experience, includingbut not limited to, acceptance and admission, enrollment, financial aid, and access to studentresources and support.

A student having a complaint concerning terms and conditions of their student status orexperience with UAMS is encouraged to present this matter to and discuss it with, the person incharge of that part of the university where the issue arises (e.g. Course Director, DepartmentChair, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, etc.). Such presentation and discussion shall beentirely informal. The person in charge shall attempt to resolve the complaint. A complaint may,but need not, become a grievance.

However, if informal dialog does not resolve the issue, and the student believes that he or shehas encountered a policy, procedure, or practice that constitutes discrimination, he or sheshould contact the Assistant Dean for Administration within the Fay W. Boozman College ofPublic Health, who is specifically designated to assist students in the matter of filing a grievancethrough the UAMS Student Grievance Procedures process (Academic Matters 2.400, accessed athttp://academicaffairs.uams.edu/policies/200-academic-matters/.)

Additional information can be found at http://hr.uams.edu/other/title-ix/

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism includes (but is not limited to) adopting or appropriating for one’s own use and/orincorporating in one’s own work, without acknowledgement, passages, parts of passages, tables,photographs, models, figures, and illustrations from the writings or works of others; thus,presenting such as a product of one’s own mind. Any student who plagiarizes may be subject to


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any or all of the following sanctions: receiving a zero on the written work, receiving a reducedgrade for the course in which the plagiarism occurred, being suspended from registering forone or more semester(s), being required to enroll in a short course on graduate level writing,being required to comply with any other appropriate remedy as proposed by the COPH HonorCouncil, and/or being dismissed from the COPH. Plagiarism is a violation of the COPH HonorCode.

Additional information can be obtained at: http://library.uams.edu/scholarly-resources/avoiding-plagiarism/

PROGRESSION FROM GRADUATE CERTIFICATE TO GRADUATE DEGREESTATUS

Standard process for transitioning from certificate programs to MPH (or MS for holdersof the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Data Analytics)

A student with a bachelor’s degree who completes all courses in the specified graduatecertificate program and wishes to progress to the corresponding graduate degree programmust apply to the corresponding program and undergo an Admissions Committee review, usingthe same policies and procedures for all other applicants to COPH programs. The student will beexpected to submit all required materials for admissions review for the degree program,including standardized test scores. Some items such as official transcripts and external referenceforms utilized during the student’s certificate application process may be eligible to be includedin the degree program application process. Contact the admissions office in Student Affairs formore information. The student will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

Accelerated process transitioning from certificate programs to MPH (or MS for holders ofthe Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Data Analytics) for the following certificateprograms

A student with a bachelor’s degree who completes all courses in a graduate certificate programswith a ‘B’ or better, and who has earned a 3.00 overall G.P.A. in all COPH courses taken, maypetition the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to progress to the corresponding graduatedegree program without completing the formal application process.

Application of Certificate Coursework to Master’s Degree

A student who completes one or more courses in a COPH graduate certificate programs with a‘B’ or better may apply those courses to the requirements for completion of the correspondingmaster’s degree program as long as the courses are not being applied to any other awardeddegree.

Application for Accelerated Process to Change from Graduate Certificate to Graduate Degree

PUBLIC HEALTH WRITING COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT

Graduate studies require the ability to write and reason to be successful in course assignments.Writing well is also an essential skill in the workplace. Many new students have not had the

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opportunity to receive sufficient training in this area.

To help promote success, all students who enter the COPH beginning January 2020, will berequired to take a Writing and Reasoning Skills Assessment during their first semester in thecollege. The assessment will identify strengths and weaknesses and highlight opportunities forimprovement. Students will receive an email telling them to complete the assessment within thefirst couple weeks of the semester.

Students who do not meet a predetermined score threshold will be required to complete anonline Writing Skills Workshop course. The course will be equivalent to one credit hour and willnot apply to the minimum number of credit hours required for completion of any certificate ordegree program in the COPH; however, its completion will be required to progress in theprogram. The Writing Skills Workshop course will consist of a series of writing assignments withfaculty feedback and will be graded Pass/Fail. There will be no charge for the Writing SkillsWorkshop course.

Students who pass the course will be allowed to continue enrollment in their program. Studentswho fail the course must reenroll in the course in the next semester it is offered and will not bepermitted to continue enrollment in their program until receiving a grade of Pass. Students whofail to receive a grade of Pass after two attempts in the course will be administratively withdrawnfrom the COPH and will not be permitted to reapply for any COPH program.

Questions regarding the Writing and Reasoning Skills Assessment and/or the Writing SkillsWorkshop course should be directed to the COPH Office of Student Affairs, Director ofAdmissions.

PRE-ENROLLMENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, TUBERCULOSIS SKIN TEST,AND IMMUNIZATIONS

New student pre-enrollment physical examination results are to completed on UAMS forms andsubmitted to Student and Employee health Services (SEHS) thirty (30) days prior to registration.The completed forms may be mailed, faxed, or brought to SEHS. All forms should include proofof tuberculosis (TB) screening within the last two (2) months and immunizations. Students areresponsible for the costs associated with pre-enrollment examinations, TB tests, andimmunizations. Requirements include:

Two (2) MMR vaccines after first birthday (at least 1 month apart) or documentation ofphysician-diagnosed measles or laboratory evidence of positive measles, mumps, rubellatiters.TDAP vaccine or TD booster given in the last ten (10) years. If the TD booster was givenmore than two (2) years ago, a TDAP booster is strongly recommended to prevent thespread of pertussis.Three (3) Hepatitis B vaccines or positive titer for Hepatitis B.Two (2) doses of Varicella vaccine, or a varicella titer showing immunity, or documentationfrom a health care provider of varicella disease or herpes zoster.TB skin test within last two (2) months of the anticipated date of enrollment.

The Student Pre-enrollment Medical Examination Form can be accessed at:http://familymedicine.uams.edu/university-healthcare-services/student-and-employee-health/.

http://familymedicine.uams.edu/university-healthcare-services/student-and-employee-health/



REGISTRATION

Instructions on how to register and pay for fees are provided to ALL students via e-mail whencourse listings are posted to the COPH website.

Students may register for a maximum of fifteen (15) semester credit hours in fall andspring semesters, and a maximum of nine (9) semester credit hours in summer sessions.

REPEATING COURSE

Students in the COPH are allowed to repeat a course once without requesting approval;however, a student who wishes to repeat a course more than once is required to submit theRequest to Repeat a Course form. The student’s academic advisor must approve the request andforward the form to the Associate Dean for Professional Programs or the Associate Dean forAcademic Affairs for final approval. Once all approvals are received, the completed form issubmitted to the Office of the Registrar for processing. Students will not be permitted to enrollin a course more than three times.

ROOM USE IN COPH

Students are not permitted in COPH conference rooms for study purposes. All UAMS studentsare welcome to use the Student Lounge, the first floor common area, and the common areas onthe landings on second, third, and sixth floors, where seating is provided. Furniture provided forthese areas may not be removed without prior authorization from the COPH Administration.Students found in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the area immediately and maybe subject to disciplinary action by the University.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is committed to its mission of providingan academic and employment environment that fosters excellence. Sexual harassment violatesthe trust and respect essential to the preservation of such an environment, and threatens theeducation, careers, and well being of its community members. University members have theright to work and study in an environment free of harassment. This right is protected by Title VIIof the 1964 Civil Rights Act for employees and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972for students, which view sexual harassment as a form of sexual discrimination. For these reasons,harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at UAMS.

Sexual harassment is particularly serious when it threatens relationships between teacher andstudent, or supervisor and subordinate, because it unfairly exploits the power inherent in theserelationships. When, through fear of reprisal, a student or employee submits or is pressured tosubmit, to unwanted sexual attention, the ability of UAMS to carry out its mission isundermined. UAMS strongly encourages all UAMS community members to report incidents ofsexual harassment. To that end, reporting and investigating procedures are supportive of andsensitive to the alleged victim. At the same time, they adequately safeguard the rights of thealleged offender.



Sexual harassment of employees and students is defined as any unwelcome sexual advance,request for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature either in or outof the work place when:

(1) Submission to or rejection of the conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term orcondition of employment or status in a course, program, or activity;

(2) Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for an employment oreducational decision affecting an individual; or

(3) Such behavior unreasonably interferes with an individual's work or educational performance,or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for work or learning.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences opposes all forms of sexual harassment,whether subtle or direct, and is committed to the thorough, timely and confidentialinvestigation, in a fair and impartial manner, of all complaints from its students or employees.Procedures established for reporting and investigating such incidents are detailed in the fullpolicy, which can be accessed at:http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_48_Title_IX.pdf.

All individuals who believe that they have been sexually harassed are encouraged to notify theirimmediate supervisor, department head, or the Assistant Dean for Administration in the Fay W.Boozman College of Public Health. All individuals accused of sexual harassment shall be giventhe opportunity to respond to the complaints prior to any employment decisions. Employeesand students who are found guilty of sexual harassment are subject to disciplinary action inaccordance with UAMS policies.

Additional information regarding definitions, prohibited acts, examples, reporting/ complaintprocedures, investigation procedures, and other material can be found at:http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_48_Title_IX.pdf.

SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS POLICY

In accordance with Arkansas Act 134 of 2005, which prohibits the use of tobacco products inand on the grounds of medical facilities in Arkansas, smoking or other tobacco use is strictlyprohibited on the UAMS campus. This policy applies to all persons, including employees, faculty,students, patients, visitors, contractors, subcontractors, and others in UAMS buildings, parkinglots and ramps.

The policy can be accessed at:http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_01_Smoking_Tobacco_Use.pdf.

SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences recognizes that social networking websites andapplications such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. are important and timely means ofcommunication. Students who use these websites and applications must be aware of the criticalimportance of privatizing these websites and applications so that only trustworthy “friends”have access to the sites. They must also be aware that posting certain information is illegal.

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_48_Title_IX.pdf

http://www.uams.edu/AdminGuide/PDFs/Section%203/3_1_48_Title_IX.pdf

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Violation of existing statutes and administrative regulations may expose the offender to criminaland civil liability, and punishment for violations may include fines and imprisonment. Offendersalso may be subject to adverse academic actions that range from a letter of reprimand toprobation to dismissal from the University.

The following actions are strictly forbidden:

Reporting the personal health information of patients. Removal of an individual’s namedoes not constitute proper de identification of protected health information. Inclusion ofdata such as age, gender, race, or date of evaluation may still allow the reader torecognize the identity of a specific individual.Reporting private (protected) academic or financial information of another student ortrainee. Such information might include, but is not limited to: course grades, narrativesevaluations, examination scores, adverse academic actions, or financial aid information.Presenting oneself as an official representative or spokesperson for UAMS, the COPH, orthe department or program.Represent oneself as another person.Utilizing websites and/or applications in a manner that interferes with educational or workcommitments.

In addition to the absolute prohibitions outlined above, the following actions are stronglydiscouraged as these are considered unprofessional and reflect poorly on the individual, thehealthcare profession, program, department, college, and the University of Arkansas for MedicalSciences:

Displaying vulgar languageDisplaying language or photographs that imply disrespect for any individual or groupbecause of age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.Presenting photographs that may reasonably be interpreted as condoning irresponsibleuse of alcohol, substance abuse, or sexual misconduct.

Students should:

Use privacy settings to limit the unknown or unwanted access to the student’s profile orapplication.When listing an email address on a social networking site, use a personal email address(not a uams.edu address) as the primary means of identification.

SOLICITATION

Individual students and/or student groups are not allowed to use UAMS facilities for thesolicitation of political party membership, for the support or opposition of a political candidate,for the raising of money for projects not connected with a University activity, or for the conductof private business.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/INVOLVEMENT

Students in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health are encouraged to enrich theireducational experience by getting involved in the various professional and student



organizations relevant to their chosen profession. UAMS has established a policy to establishguidelines for UAMS student organizations that are required to register with the Campus Lifeand Student Support Services (CLSSS) (http://studentlife.uams.edu/student-life/registration-of-recognized-student-organizations-policy/).

Arkansas Public Health Association

The Arkansas Public Health Association (APHA) is an organization to which any individual maybelong. The Arkansas Public Health Association is a private, non-profit organization of healthprofessionals and others interested in public health who aspire to exercise leadership inprotecting and promoting personal and environmental health. Visithttp://www.arkpublichealth.org/ for more information.

APHA Student Assembly

The APHA Student Assembly (APHA-SA) is the nation's largest student-led organizationdedicated to furthering the development of students, the next generation of professionals inpublic health and health- related disciplines. APHA-SA represents and serves students of publichealth and other health-related disciplines by connecting individuals who are interested inworking together on public health and student- related issues. More information can be foundat http://www.aphastudents.org/

COPH Honor Council

The mission of the UAMS College of Public Health Honor Council is to promote, encourage, andensure compliance with the standards of the Code of Academic Integrity.

The election of representatives from the COPH student body to the Honor Council is held in thespring term of each year with the term of service beginning the following fall term. TheAssociate Dean for Academic Affairs assists the Council in conducting the election.

The five student representatives serve two-year terms with two or three representatives rotatingoff the Council each year. One of the two student alternates is also elected from the studentbody each year. The Dean appoints one of two faculty representatives to the Honor Councileach spring. Each faculty representative serves a two-year term.

The Honor Council meets at least once a year to orientate new members. The Council meets asneeded throughout the year.

COPH Student Council

The mission of the UAMS College of Public Health Student Council is to advance the interests ofenrolled students in the COPH, to serve as an exemplar of public health values and principles, toassist in the development of policies for students, to determine ways to communicate policies tostudents, to select representatives to appropriate College committees, and to assist in planningstudent affairs.

Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health

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http://www.arkpublichealth.org/

http://www.aphastudents.org/



Delta Omega is the honorary society for graduate studies in public health. The society wasfounded in1924 by John Hopkins School of Public Health. There are currently 48 chaptersthroughout the United States and Puerto Rico. On December 20, 2005 the Fay W. BoozmanCollege of Public Health fulfilled the requirements to be granted as a national chapterdesignated Beta Delta.

Delta Omega is governed by a Delta Omega constitution and by-laws and also a governancemanual. The governing body is the National Council, which is composed of elected officers andrepresentatives of each chapter. The council meets annually, usually held in conjunction with theAnnual Meeting of the American Public Health Association.

Each chapter conducts the principal Delta Omega activities. The chapters elect new memberseach year from four groups:

1. students who are candidates for a graduate degree in public health,2. faculty members at the school of public health, and3. alumni actively engaged in public health work4. honorary members possessing exceptional qualifications

Election from all three groups is based on outstanding performance--scholarship in students,teaching and research in faculty members, and community service in alumni. Election tomembership in Delta Omega is intended, not only to recognize merit, but also, to encouragefurther excellence in, and devotion to, public health work.

Since Delta Omega's establishment in 1924, the meaning and scope of public health hasbroadened tremendously. While it is still seriously concerned with problems of environmentalsanitation and communicable disease control, public health action has come to embrace allaspects of health and disease in populations. These include the planning, organization, andsupport of health promotion, disease prevention, and medical care. Basic to modern publichealth are the social sciences as well as the natural sciences--both in the United States andinternationally.

Membership in Delta Omega reflects the dedication of an individual to quality in the field ofpublic health and to protection and advancement of the health of all people. Candidates to betapped into the Beta Delta chapter are selected by faculty members of the Delta OmegaSelection Committee chaired by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

MHSA Graduate Student Association

The MHSA student association provides an opportunity for student leadership andrepresentation. The association elects officers each year and coordinates a series of studentmeetings, educational events and a community service project.

MHSA Student Network – American College of Medical Practice Executives

In 2002, the program became a charter member of the Student Network program of theAmerican College of Medical Practice Executive/Medical Group Management Association. Themembers of the Network elect officers each year and work with the other student associations



to coordinate education meetings and activities with the Arkansas Medical Group ManagementAssociation.

UAMS Assembly

The UAMS Assembly has two deliberating bodies, the Academic Senate and the House ofDelegates, composed of faculty, students, and staff. The assembly determines and submitsguidelines and policies for campus affairs to the Chancellor.

UAMS Student Government

Students in good standing in one of the five UAMS colleges and Graduate school mayparticipate in the Associated Student Government. The ASG is responsible for publishing theUAMS yearbook, "Caduceus,” scheduling social events, and negotiating the student healthinsurance policy.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health (COPH) embraces the philosophy ofinclusion and strives to reflect diversity in its staff, faculty and student body. Consistent with thisphilosophy is the belief that students who have disabilities are entitled to equal access and afriendly environment for learning within the College. To accomplish that goal and assist assistpublic health students who have disabilities with meeting their career goals thru professionaleducation and training, the COPH has established a policy detailing procedures to be used torequest accommodations. This policy is a supplement to the UAMS Grievance Policy Related toDiscrimination Complaints adopted by the College (see “Grievance Procedures”). It is notintended to supplant that policy, and where any conflicts might be deemed to exist, the UAMSGrievance Policy shall be controlling.

It is the policy of the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health to provide appropriateaccommodations to a student with a documented disability in order for the student to beaccorded equal access to or participation in the services, programs, and activities of the College.

If the student intends to seek accommodation for the disabling condition in the class, it is thestudents’ responsibility to meet with either the Associate Dean for Professional Programs orAssistant Dean for Student Affairs to discuss what accommodations are requested and todevelop an appropriate accommodation plan.

A student seeking accommodation is entitled to confidentiality concerning her/his disability.Under most circumstances, the faculty and Assistant Dean will respect the student’s right toconfidentiality and will not mention the request to other students, staff or faculty unless thestudent has specifically indicated otherwise. However, the Assistant Dean is authorized to usediscretion during unusual circumstances in disclosing information to others on a need-to-knowbasis for the protection and safety of faculty and students.

At the first class meeting of each class in each semester, the faculty member shall announce toall students in attendance the following:



It is the policy of the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health to accommodate studentswith disabilities pursuant to federal law, state law, and the University’s commitment to equaleducational opportunities. Any student who needs accommodation should request to meet witheither the Associate Dean for Professional Programs or Assistant Dean for Student Affairs todevelop an accommodation plan. Failure to follow these procedures may be construed as awaiver of your rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with DisabilitiesAct of 1990.

In addition, all course syllabi will contain the following statement:

Students with a Disability: It is the policy of the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Healthto accommodate students with disabilities pursuant to federal law, state law, and theUniversity’s commitment to equal educational opportunities. Any student who needsaccommodation should request to meet with either the Assistant Dean for MPH Programs orAssistant Dean for Student Affairs to develop an accommodation plan. Failure to follow theseprocedures may be construed as a waiver of your rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Faculty members are required by federal law to provide reasonable accommodations whenrequested. The goal of the accommodation plan is not to change the requirements of anycourse but to enable the individual with a disability to meet the requirements of each course ina way that is not discriminatory based on disability. The student should feel free to requestadditional appointments with the Associate Dean for Professional Programs or Assistant Deanfor Student Affairs if the student believes the accommodation plan needs revision.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

It is the goal of UAMS to provide the highest quality health care, education and servicesavailable. To achieve this goal it is important that administrators, faculty, staff, and students beable to fulfill their respective roles without the impairment produced by intoxication oraddiction to alcohol or other drugs. The UAMS Substance Abuse Policy (Policy 4.4.06) can beaccessed at: http://www.uams.edu/adminguide/index.html#HUMANSRESOURCES.

In brief, this policy states that:

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale, possession or use of anycontrolled substance (as defined in the UAMS Drug-Free Workplace Policy) by anyemployee or student of UAMS while on University property or on a University affiliatedassignment will not be tolerated.Consumption of alcohol on University property will not be tolerated, except withinapproved areas by individuals over the ages of 21 years.No employee or student of UAMS may report for their assignments and/or classesimpaired by the use of alcohol or controlled substances.

Violators of this policy will be disciplined up to and including termination.

Students with an addiction to drugs or alcohol are encouraged to seek help through theStudent/Employee Health Service.

http://www.uams.edu/adminguide/index.html#HUMANSRESOURCES



TRANSCRIPTS

The UAMS Registrar’s Office is responsible for providing official transcripts. Students should clickon the following link for transcript request instructions :http://registrar.uams.edu/transcripts .

Grades and transcripts will be withheld and registration refused to any students who fail toreturn laboratory, library, or other university property entrusted to their care; who fail to complywith rules governing the audit of student organization accounts; who have failed to pay anyfees, tuition, room and board charges, fines or other charges assessed by UAMS; or who havefailed to properly submit all required forms to the Office of Student Affairs.

TRANSFER CREDITS

The UAMS COPH will permit a master’s student to transfer up to six (6) hours of semester creditfrom other programs (outside of COPH), subject to approval by the COPH Academic StandardsCommittee. Master’s program students wishing to transfer semester credit hours must contactthe Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for more information. Doctoral degreeprogram students wishing to transfer semester credit hours must obtain approval of theirdoctoral program director before a request can be forwarded on to the Associate Dean forAcademic Affairs.

Courses to be transferred must meet the following criteria:

Passed with a grade of “B” or betterCompleted within the five (5) years immediately preceding the application deadline of therequested semester for admissionWas not used to meet the minimum degree requirements for another degree program inwhich the degree was awardedCourse content and syllabus demonstrates significant relevance to public health

TRANSFERRING FROM NON-DEGREE TO DEGREE SEEKING STATUS

To convert one’s status from non-degree seeking to degree seeking, a student must completean application to the desired degree program by submitting all of the required documentationby the appropriate deadline in order to be reviewed by the appropriate degree programAdmissions Committee.

A student who has not been accepted into a program of study leading to a specific COPHcertificate or degree may take no more than twelve (12) semester credit hours of COPHcoursework that can be counted toward the requirements for a COPH certificate or degree. Atthe time of acceptance into a COPH certificate or degree program, the Academic StandardsCommittee will recommend to the COPH which previously taken courses, if any, are to beaccepted in the certificate or degree program

VEHICLE OPERATION ON CAMPUS

By authority of the Board of Trustees, and in accordance with Act 328 of 1967, the rules andregulations for the operation and parking of motor vehicles on the UAMS campus are binding

http://registrar.uams.edu/transcripts



on all members of the faculty, staff, student body, and others utilizing the lands owned orcontrolled by the University of Arkansas. For the purpose of these regulations, the term motorvehicle includes public or private automobiles, trucks and buses, motorcycles, motor scooters,motor bicycles, and any other motor powered vehicle operating on land. Requests by an officerof the UAMS Police Department for a driver or passenger’s identification shall be honored by allconcerned when said officer is acting in the exercises of his duties. Officers of the UAMS PolicyDepartment are Police Officers of the State of Arkansas under Act 328 of 1967 and possess fullarrest powers.

All drivers on and about the campus area shall observe all the rules of the State of Arkansaspertaining to motor vehicle registration and operation including the special rules andregulations as stated below:

Yield the right of way to all pedestrians in campus crosswalks.Maintain a safe speed at all times and at no time drive faster than the posted limits.Obey regulatory signs and barricades established by the UAMS Police Department.Observe and obey orders of the Policy Department Officers while such officers areengaged in the performance of their respective duties. This includes rendering andproducing identification and permits as requested.Report all campus vehicle accidents to the UAMS Police Department.

WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL

Students must submit an official letter of voluntary withdrawal to the College in order towithdraw from the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. The letter must be addressed tothe Registrar and copied to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. If enrolled at the time ofwithdrawal, the student is required to complete the “Add/Drop Form” available on the COPHwebsite. Explanation(s) or reason(s) for withdrawal from the College are not required.

A student who withdraws from school must re-apply for admission to continue her/his studieswith the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. Only students who have an accepted letterof voluntary withdrawal on file and who were in good academic standing at the time ofwithdrawal will be considered for re-admission by the College.

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